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We report the near-complete genome sequence of an avian orthoavulavirus 13 (AOAV-13) strain isolated from a wild goose fecal sample collected in South Korea in early 2020. The AOAV-13 sequence had a unique 3′ trailer region, including an 84-nucleotide (nt) deletion and a 24-nt insertion, compared to the most closely related Chinese genome sequence from 2015.

Background: Therapeutic hypothermia can improve neurological status in cardiac arrest survivors. Objectives: We investigated the association between the timing of inducing therapeutic hypothermia and neurological outcomes in patients who experienced out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. Methods: We evaluated data from 116 patients who were comatose after return of spontaneous circulation and those who received therapeutic hypothermia between January 2013 and April 2017. The primary endpoint was good neurological outcomes during index hospitalization, defined as a cerebral performance category score of 1 or 2. Therapeutic hypothermia timing was defined as the duration from the return of spontaneous circulation to hypothermia initiation. We analyzed the effect of early hypothermia induction on neurological results. Results: In total, 112 patients were enrolled. The median duration to hypothermia initiation was 284 min (25th–75th percentile, 171–418 min). Eighty-two (69.5%) patients underwent hypothermia within 6 h, and 30 (25.4%) had good neurological outcomes. The rates of good neurological outcomes by hypothermia initiation time quartile (shortest to longest) were 28.3%, 34.5%, 14.8%, and 28.6% (p = 0.401). The good neurologic outcomes did not differ between hypothermia patients within 6 h or after (26.5% vs 26.7%, p = 0.986). Short low-flow time and bystander resuscitation were associated with good neurological outcomes (p = 0.044, confidence interval: 0.027–0.955), but the timing of hypothermia initiation was not (p = 0.602, confidence interval: 0.622–1.317). Conclusion: A shorter low-flow time was associated with good neurological outcomes in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest patients who experienced hypothermia. However, inducing hypothermia sooner, even within 6 h, did not improve the neurological outcomes. Thus, as current guidelines recommend, initiating hypothermia within 6 h of recovery of spontaneous circulation is reasonable.

We identified clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses from whooper swans (Cygnus cygnus) found dead in Mongolia. The identification of these infections in wild birds in this area is of concern because of the potential for virus dissemination during fall migration.

Since 2014, H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) have caused outbreaks in wild birds and poultry in multiple continents, including Asia, Europe, Africa, and North America. Wild birds were suspected to be the sources of the local and global spreads of HPAIV. This study evaluated the infectivity, pathogenicity, and transmissibility of clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIV in mandarin ducks (Aixgalericulata) and domestic pigeons (Columbia livia domestica). None of the birds used in this study, 20 mandarin ducks or 8 pigeons, showed clinical signs or mortality due to H5N6 HPAI infection. Two genotypes of H5N6 HPAIV showed replication and transmission by direct and indirect contact between mandarin ducks. H5N6 HPAIV replicated and transmitted by direct contact between pigeons, although the viral shedding titer and duration were relatively lower and shorter than those in mandarin ducks. Influenza virus antigen was detected in various internal organs of infected mandarin ducks and pigeons, indicating systemic infection. Therefore, our results indicate mandarin ducks and pigeons can be subclinically infected with clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 HPAIV and transfer the virus to adjacent birds. The role of mandarin ducks and pigeons in the spread and prevalence of clade 2.3.4.4 H5N6 viruses should be carefully monitored.

We report the first detection of Y280-lineage H9N2 avian influenza viruses in live bird markets in Korea during July 2020. The viruses were isolated from domestic ducks and chickens traded in three markets in two different provinces, indicating dispersal of the newly introduced viruses. Complete genome sequencing and comparative phylogenetic analyses of all eight gene segments of the viruses showed high nucleotide homology to a Y280-lineage H9N2 avian influenza virus isolated in a chicken farm in China, which belongs to one of the most prevalent H9N2 genotypes in China. Increasing human cases of the same genotype H9N2 infection in China and the mammalian specific markers present in the viruses isolated suggest potential implications for public health.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) and low pathogenic avian influenza viruses (LPAIVs) represent important threats to the poultry industry and global human health. Due to the high rates of avian influenza virus (AIV) transmission, controlling AIV outbreaks is challenging. HPAIV is known to be transmitted from wild birds to domestic ducks, from which it can be transmitted to layer and broiler chickens. Therefore, surveillance of AIV in domestic ducks and chickens in advance of outbreaks can prevent its spread and enable timely implementation of disease control measures. Certain molecular diagnostic tools can be applied in the field for faster AIV detection. In this study, we evaluated the AIV-detection ability of two insulated isothermal PCR (iiPCR) devices, POCKIT™Micro DUO Nucleic Acid Analyzer (POCKIT DUO) and POCKIT™ Central Nucleic Acid Analyzer (POCKIT Central). We found that the analytical, in vivo and clinical performances of the two POCKIT devices were comparable to those of real-time reverse transcription PCR. Due to their brief protocols and short detection times, POCKIT DUO and POCKIT Central represent promising molecular diagnostic devices for the reliable detection of AIV.

An avian influenza A(H6N5) virus with all 8 segments of North American origin was isolated from wild bird feces in South Korea. Phylogenetic analysis suggests that this virus may have been introduced into Asia by wild birds, highlighting the role of wild birds in the dispersal of these viruses.

We isolated new reassortant avian influenza A(H5N6) viruses from feces of wild waterfowl in South Korea during 2017–18. Phylogenetic analysis suggested that reassortment occurred between clade 2.3.4.4b H5N8 and Eurasian low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses circulating in wild birds. Dissemination to South Korea during the 2017 fall migratory season followed.

Currently, no vaccine or established therapeutic agents are available for coronavirus disease 2019. The sharp increase in demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) necessitates an improvement in the protective efficacy of PPE. We evaluated the potential antimicrobial and antiviral effects of a surface-coating disinfectant (3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyldimethyl octadecyl ammonium chloride, Si-QAC) when applied onto PPE. Si-QAC-pre-coated PPE was artificially contaminated with either influenza virus or Salmonella. The results showed significantly reduced influenza and Salmonella titers in Si-QAC-coated PPE; these antimicrobial effects lasted 7 days. This suggests that this surface-coating disinfectant effectively reduces pathogen contamination of PPE, enabling their safe and long-term use.

H5Nx clade 2.3.4.4 highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) have been disseminated to wide geographic regions since 2014. In 2016, five distinct genotypes (C-1 to C-5) of clade 2.3.4.4c H5N6 HPAIVs were detected in South Korea. In this study, we evaluated the pathogenicity, susceptibility to infection, and transmissibility of the two strains representing the C-1 and C-4 genotypes of the H5N6 viruses, which have different PA and NS gene, in domestic ducks. Although the susceptibility to infection of domestic ducks to the two strains was similar, the C-4 genotype virus induced higher mortality in ducks than C-1 genotype virus. A higher titer of viral shedding were detected in ducks challenged with the C-4 genotype virus compared with the C-1 genotype virus. These results indicated that the reassortment of HPAIVs with prevailing low pathogenic avian influenza viruses could effect on the pathogenicity in ducks.

In recent years, avian paramyxovirus type 4 (APMV-4) frequently isolated from wild and domestic bird populations particularly waterfowls worldwide. However, molecular characteristics and genetic diversity of APMV-4 are uncertain, owing to the limited availability of sequence information. A total of 11 APMV-4 strains from 9850 fecal, swab, and environmental samples were isolated during the surveillance program in wintering seasons of 2013-2017 in South Korea. We performed genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis to investigate the genetic diversity and relatedness between isolates from the region. We report high APMV-4 genetic diversity (multiple genotypes and sub-genotypes) among wild bird and poultry populations in Korea and that the potential virus exchange occurs between neighboring countries via wild bird migration. Furthermore, our study results suggest the possibility of transcontinental transmission of APMV-4 between Asia and Europe.

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of stocking density, fumonisin B1 (FB), and mycotoxin binder (TB) on growth performance, bone quality, physiological stress indicators, and gut health in broiler chickens. Day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks (n = 1,440/experiment) were randomly allocated to 72 floor pens in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, using 3 stocking densities (12.5 birds/m2 [HSD], 10 birds/m2 [MSD], or 7.5 birds/m2 [LSD]), 2 levels of purified FB (0 or 10 ppm), and 2 levels of TB (0 or 0.2%). Each treatment had 6 replicates (n = 6/treatment) and experiments lasted 34 days. All data were analyzed using 3-way ANOVA with stocking density level, FB, and TB as main factors. Body weight gain and feed intake were lower (P < 0.05) in broilers kept at HSD and MSD compared to LSD-housed counterparts. Birds fed an FB-contaminated diet exhibited a higher feed-to-gain ratio compared with those fed an FB-free diet (P < 0.05). None of the treatments affected intestinal morphology or ileal secretory immunoglobulin A levels. Stocking density affected tibia breaking strength (P < 0.05), which was lower in chickens housed at HSD compared with LSD-housed chickens. The heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L ratio) was elevated (P < 0.05) in HSD and MSD groups compared with the LSD group. Serum nitric oxide (NO) levels were elevated (P < 0.05) in chickens fed the FB-contaminated diet compared with the control diet-fed counterparts. Significant interaction (P < 0.05) between FB and TB on serum NO levels was noted. In summary, increasing stocking density lowered growth performance and bone quality, but increased the H/L ratio. Dietary TB did not affect FB-induced increases in the feed-to-gain ratio. No interaction was observed between stocking density and FB for the measured variables.

This study investigated the effects of onion (Allium cepa, L.) extract on the antioxidant activity of lipids in low-and high-fat-fed mouse brain lipids and its structural change during in vitro human digestion. The onion extracts were passed through an in vitro human digestion model that simulated the composition of the mouth, stomach, and small intestine juice. The brain lipids were collected from low- and high-fat-fed mouse brain and then incubated with the in vitro-digested onion extracts to determine the lipid oxidation. The results confirmed that the main phenolics of onion extract were kaempferol, myricetin, quercetin, and quercitrin. The quercetin content increased with digestion of the onion extract. Antioxidant activity was strongly influenced by in vitro human digestion of both onion extract and quercetin standard. After digestion by the small intestine, the antioxidant activity values were dramatically increased, whereas the antioxidant activity was less influenced by digestion in the stomach for both onion extract and quercetin standard. The inhibitory effect of lipid oxidation of onion extract in mouse brain lipids increased after digestion in the stomach. The inhibitory effect of lipid oxidation of onion extract was higher in the high-fat-fed mouse brain lipids than that in the low-fat-fed mouse brain lipids. The major study finding is that the antioxidative effect of onion extract may be higher in high-fat-fed mouse brain lipids than that in low-fat-fed mouse brain lipids. Thus, dietary onion may have important applications as a natural antioxidant agent in a high-fat diet.

Defatted almond meal, which contains oxynit-rilase, has been used as a catalyst for the produc-tion of aromatic and aliphatic (R)-cyanohydrins.Oxynitrilase, which is also known as mandeloni-trile lyase (or hydroxynitrile lyase, Hnls), catalyzesthe reversible formation of cyanohydrins from HCNand aldehydes or ketones (Scheme 1).

Virtual enterprise (VE) has become a prime candidate to survive under the increasingly turbulent and competitive business environment. In order to quickly respond to the rapidly changing business environment, the agility and interoperability are regarded as the core requirements for the VEs. Unfortunately, there is no previous approach to fully support configurations of the agile and interoperable VE. The systematic modeling framework based on the meta-model driven approach could be used for business domain experts and developers to construct VE models quickly and systematically with insights. It should be noted that this chapter aims to present a systematic modeling framework itself, not to generate only instances of VE models. Based on the proposed framework, business domain experts and developers would configure all of VE models such as VE architectures, modeling languages, model transformations, and deployment models, as well as instances of VE models.

Background: Nuss et al introduced a less invasive method for inserting a stainless steel bar through the small incision on the lateral chest wall into the pectus excavatum. This study was undertaken to assess the effect of the Nuss operation on lung mechanics, CT-Index and hemodynamics. Methods: Twenty patients (age 4 to 17 years) with severe pectus excavatum underwent the Nuss operation. CT-Index (the internal transverse distance of the thorax/the vertebral-sternal distance at greatest depression) was evaluated before operation. Lung mechanics (dynamic compliance [], static compliance [] and airway resistance []), hemodynamic changes (heart rate [HR], systolic blood pressure [SBP], and diastolic blood pressure [DBP]), and gas exchange (arterial oxygen tension [], arterial carbon dioxide tension [], pulse oximeter saturation [] and end-tidal carbon dioxide tension[PET]) were measured before and after the operation. Results: and decreased significantly (P ＜ 0.05), but did not change. and decreased significantly (P ＜ 0.05), and SBP and DBP increased significantly (P ＜ 0.05) postoperatively. Conclusions: It is concluded that decreased compliance after the Nuss operation may result from reduced thoracic elastance, not to a change of lung parenchyma.

Background: This study was undertaken in order to investigate any cardiopulmonary changes caused by the surgical procedure during a Nuss operation in patients with pectus excavatum. Methods: Thirty patients undergoing the Nuss operation were divided into two groups. The patients were randomly assigned to either Group-V (n 15) which volume controlled ventilation was applied, or to Group-P (n = 15) where pressure controlled ventilation was applied. Mechanical ventilation provided a tidal volume to be set at approximately 10 ml/kg and a frequency set to keep ETCO. In range, between 32 mmHg and 38 mmHg. During the surgical procedure, we recorded expired volume (VE) and inspired maximal pressure (Pmax) changes according to the ventilator mode, and then also recorded changes in vital signs. Results: Heart rate and blood pressure had no significant changes in either groups. In Group-V, during rotation of the metal bar, there was a significant decrease in expired volume (P < 0.001), changes of inspired maximal pressure gradually increased with the operation (P < 0.001). In Group-P, rotation of the metal bar caused a significant decrease in expired volume (P < 0.001). Conclusions: During the Nuss operation, there should be careful observation of changes in the vital signs, expired volume and maximal pressure during insertion and rotation of the metal bar. (Korean J Anesthesiol 2001; 41: 178-183)

Background: During ophthalmologic surgery, a variety of anesthetic induction techniques are used in an attempt to prevent the rise of intraocular pressure (IOP). This study compared the effects of etomidate, a new intravenous anesthetic agent, on the changes in IOP with those of thiopental sodium and propofol. Methods: Forty-five patients were randomly allocated and divided into three groups to be injected intravenously with etomidate 0.2 0.3 mg/kg (E-group, n = 15), propofol 2 3 mg/kg (P-group, n = 15) or thiopental sodium 4 - 5 mg/kg (T-group, n = 15). Systolic arterial pressure (SAP), heart rate (HR) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured at 1, 2 and 3 minutes after the administration of the induction agents. During the induction of anesthesia, the incidence of IV injection pain, myoclonus, hiccup and a decrease in SAP of more than 30% were investigated. Results: At 1, 2 and 3 min following the induction of anesthesia, the SAP in the P-Group decreased significantly more than that in the other two groups (P < 0.05). After the induction, heart rate in the T-Group increased significantly more than that in the other two groups (P < 0.05). The three intravenous agents induced a significant decrease in IOP after an injection (P < 0.05). Comparing the three groups, the IOP in the E- and P-Group decreased significantly more than that in the T-Group (P < 0.05). Conelusions: Etomidate may be used as a choice of intravenous induction agent to reduce intraocular pressure in ophthalmologic operations especially in an emergency situation, geriatric and hypovolemic patients.